Every New Year, we tell ourselves we are going to do better in the coming year.  At least, I do, but then it is hard too follow up and keep our promise to ourselves.  Some of the most popular things that are listed on my resolutions are:

1. Planning to lose weight;
2. Getting more exercise;
3. Getting more sleep;
4. Being more productive;
5. Being more patient;
6. Driving more carefully;
7. Turning off the cell phone in the car;
8. Being more punctual for jobs, appointments;
9. Trying not to be as forgetful, 
10. Keeping up with things better.

These are things that are important to me; however, when it comes to losing weight, it seems it hasn’t been important enough to give up desserts, which are my downfall.  So, here we go, one more year, one more time; let’s all try to do better! 

Here are some facts that might help us all realize why we need exercise and proper diet:

• Significant health benefits can be gained by moderate physical activity, and greater benefits can be gained by additional physical activity.  At least 30 minutes a day is needed, which can be broken down in 15-minute increments if necessary.
• Heart disease is the leading cause of death among men and women in the U.S.  Inactive people are twice as likely to develop coronary heart disease as regularly active people.
• Poor diet and inactivity can lead to overweight/obesity.  Have you ever sat in a mall and noticed how many obese people there are?  Many are young people, who have probably preferred junk food to healthy food most of their lives.  We are certainly not judging, but obesity can lead to risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, gallbladder disease, and diabetes.
• Nearly 60 million Americans are obese.  More than 108 million adults are either obese or overweight – meaning around 3 out of 5 Americans carry an unhealthy amount of excess baggage.
• Not having enough time for exercise is one of the causes many people don’t get enough activity.  Young people should take advantage of physical education at school and get some kind of extra exercise.  Too many spend hours in front of their video games and television, which can get them into a sedentary rut. 
• Workplaces should have safe places where their employees can work out on breaks, or at lunch.  Some worksites have walking trails on location, which gives their workers a chance to enjoy the outdoors and get a break from being inside all day.  Others have actual fitness centers for their employees.
• Other health risks associated with physical inactivity are Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.  We once thought these to be age-related; however, they are now diagnosed in children and teens. 

This year I am going to print out my resolutions and post them where I won’t forget what I promised to do this year.  My dog Buddy is getting older, and he doesn’t want to walk as far as he used to.  So, I have used this as my excuse to go back into the house, as well.  I am going to put him back in, and continue to walk at least as far as I used to.  It is a great opportunity to get out and enjoy the outdoors, and plan my day. 

Good luck on your New Year’s resolutions.  After all, the definitions of resolutions are: decree, resolve, promise, solution.  And isn’t that what will happen, if we keep them?  May you have a safe, happy, prosperous, and healthy NEW YEAR!